On some evenings, cooking might not be an appealing option, yet we still want to avoid resorting to takeout or delivery. So, we head to the grocery store with good intentions to purchase nutritious ingredients for a homemade dinner. There, we are confronted with the most delicious sight - a rotisserie chicken. Anyone who loves chicken cannot feel as if their entire nervous system just got a jolt. The smell, the deep golden-brown color, it's very seductive. But is it good for you? This is what we're going to find out.
Anyone who has ever bought a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store can attest to their mouth-watering appeal. These chickens are typically juicy and flavorful, providing enough servings for an entire family when accompanied by side dishes like salad, dinner rolls, or vegetables. Rotisserie chickens are not only convenient, but they are also often priced affordably, making them a seemingly excellent alternative to fast food. It's easy to convince ourselves that chicken is healthy, so it should be a suitable dinner option.
While the convenience and price are undeniable, the healthiness of store-bought rotisserie chicken may depend on where you purchase it. Consumer Reports investigated the health aspects of rotisserie chickens, focusing on those labeled "plain" or "original." The study revealed that "plain" doesn't always imply a lack of additives.
Many grocery store rotisserie chickens are injected with a solution to ensure juiciness, which often results in a high sodium content. Even if you enjoy salt on your chicken, these chickens can contain up to 9 times more sodium than if the solution wasn't added. This is significantly more salt than you would typically use when seasoning chicken, yourself. This amount of sodium is a bit of a shock to the system, and may cause a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure, which may cause problems. High sodium intake is connected to hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease, among other health issues.
The worst culprits are the Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken from Sam’s Club, with 550 mg of sodium per 3 oz serving, and Costco's Kirkland chickens, containing 460 mg of sodium per serving.
The Simple Truth rotisserie chicken from Kroger has the lowest sodium content at 40 mg per serving, with ingredients limited to chicken, water, and sea salt.
In conclusion, before purchasing a rotisserie chicken, we advise checking the nutrition label for ingredients and sodium content, enabling you to make an informed decision. If the label isn't on the package, consult a deli employee, as the store should have the information readily available.
On the other hand, non-rotisserie chicken offers various health benefits. Regular chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. It also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus. Preparing chicken without added solutions or excessive sodium helps maintain its nutritional value, making it a healthier choice for your meals. So consider that next time you shop.
The Food Additives That Are Actually Beneficial For You
We've been tricked into believing all food additives are bad. Did you know some are beneficial?
Should Children Have Caffeine? Here's Our Complete Answer
This article asks: should kids have caffeine, and how much is too much?
9 Vegetables That Are Healthier Cooked
Learn about the 9 vegetables you should prefer cooked rather than raw, and why.
ARFID: An Undiagnosed Eating Disorder?
In the ever-evolving realm of psychological disorders, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has emerged as a puzzling newcomer in recent years.
In the Future, We Might Change Our DNA With Food
The diet of the future is nothing like you've ever tried or heard of before. It will be custom-made to edit your DNA. Would you eat it?
This Short Tale Reminds Us of a Person’s True Worth...
A short story that will remind you what a person's true worth is...
A Story of a Little Girl and Her Guardian Angels...
This short story will remind you that there is always someone to watch over you in this life...
Print at Home: 24 Characters for Coloring with Kids!
For a fun time for kids of all ages, print out any of these popular characters for them to color.
Study: Why It's Crucial to Talk to Toddlers
This study sheds light on why it's so important to speak to toddlers and how best to go about it.
How to Talk to Your Children About War & Conflict
As parents, how should you explain to your children about war? Here’s a guide that draws on expert opinions and research to help.
Which Occupations Cheat the Most? The Answers are In...
Research indicates that certain professions tend to have a higher likelihood of infidelity.
How to Get Your Child to be Serious When Appropriate
How do you establish boundaries and make sure your child is behaving seriously at solemn occasions.
Study: The Effect 40 Minutes Have on Children
Let's explore the details of this research and the opinions of other experts in this domain.
How to Raise Happy Children: 10 Scientific Steps!
The most important thing for kids' success is their happiness, and these 10 top tips for getting your kids and grandkids happy are backed by science!
How to Be a Very Good Grandparent: 28 Foolproof Steps
There's plenty of advice out there for parenting, but everyone assumes grandparenting is too simple to be explained - how wrong they are!
Find a Deep Reflection of the Modern World in These Images
Modern society has plenty of drawbacks. An artist has brilliantly depicted some of the stark realities of the modern world through his work.
Did You Know Grandkids Are Good for Your Health?
In this article, we will introduce the many good ways grandkids influence your life, mind, and body.
Why Children Suck Their Fingers and How to Make It Stop
To aid in understanding and addressing finger sucking, this article discusses why it may happen and how to stop the behavior.
Guide: What to Feed a Baby at Every Age
Not all solid foods are suitable for every stage, which is why we have created a guide to help you feed your baby according to their age.
This Letter Expresses a Parent's Love For Their Child...
This heartwarming letter is definitely one to share with our children and let them know just how much they mean to us.
Beautiful: What Kids Should REALLY Be Taught at School!
Children and young teens need to be taught life lessons, that will enable them to be independent and certain, yet respectful.
How to Stop the Cycle of Guilt Between Generations
Dear Parents, guilt-tripping your kids can seriously harm your relationship.
40 Sentences Every Child Needs to Hear to Succeed in Life
Help your child succeed in life with these 40 sentences.
7 Things Your Kids Will Never Forget About You...
The impression you made on your children and grandchildren is something that they will always love you for. They will never let go of those sweet memories.
How to Reconnect with Children who Have Left the Nest
very parent must know the effective ways to connect with their older children, not only to provide them support but also be their friend.
There's a Reason Why Women are Sensitive...
When a woman cries, there's always a deeper reason behind it. Sometimes she just needs to let go what's inside of her. See this beautiful story.
8 Things You’re Doing That Are Spoiling Your Child
The desire to help our children and keep them happy all the time may make them spoiled, so avoid it by following these 8 tips!
Celebrating a Bond Between Grandmother and Grandson...
This short video is a gentle and beautiful example of loving your family.
The Naked Truth Behind Why Men Don't Listen to Women
Have a good look at the 10 biggest reasons why men don't always appear to listen to the women in their lives.
What Life Looks Like for British Royal Babies
Discover the cool and surprising facts about the Royal family's babies, the only babies in the world who are given passports at birth.
Husband Guide: How to Make Your Wife Fall in Love Again
Guide: how to show love again in simple ways and how to make your wife fall in love with you again.
10 Easy and Fun Drawing Tutorials For Kids and Beginners
If you need a creative activity to keep the little ones engaged, look no further than these 10 fun and easy animal drawing tutorials!
Understand Your Grandkids Better by Asking These Questions
These questions will help you understand and connect with your grandkids better.
Children of the Past: Historical Photos of Kids Having Fun
19 Nostalgic photos of children having fun playing outside.
These 40 Compliments Will Have a Lasting Effect on a Child
Every child should hear these words every once in a while.
8 Methods to Help Children or Adults Swallow Their Pills
In this article, you'll learn 8 methods of taking pills that'll make it easier on kids or adults having difficulties.
This Mother's Letter to Her Daughter Touched Me Deeply
There is nothing quite like a mother's love for her daughter, as this heartbreaking letter reveals. Prepare to be moved.
Lessons I Learned From My Father on How to Be a Parent
Although I've passed on these skills to my own children, my father also imparted 10 additional lessons that we couldn't have learned from anyone else...
Couples Who Stay Together Forever Have 19 Things In Common
Although it looks like everlasting love is but a mere stroke of luck, there are 19 secrets that are shared by all couples that get to experience it...
Darling Child, Here are 8 ‘Sorrys’ I Meant to Tell You
Dear child, I love you, I always have and I always will, but there are many things I should apologize for. Here are 8 of my 'sorrys'.
8 Food Combinations Perfect for a Growing Baby
Not only will these combinations put a smile on your little one's face, but they will also contribute significantly to their overall health.
WARNING: Don't Let Children Play With These Toys
Today there is a large selection of toys, and although they should be fun some may be real life-threatening, such as those on this list,
Another Good Reason to Put the Phone Aside When With Kids
Extensive research on this topic has consistently shown the importance of giving our undivided attention to our children in order for them to learn and grow.
Never Give a Child Under the Age of 4 These Foods!
These foods pose the biggest choking risk to children under the age of 4.
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
What Happens When Parents Have a Favorite Child?
Children are Capable of So Much More than We Realize...
After seeing this video, you'll never dismiss kids just because of their age.